KEEPING FIT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 306, 28 December 1936, Page 5

KEEPING FIT

Physical Education HEALTHY RACE WANTED A strong, well-developed body is a great asset in the battle of life. It 'ts a barrier against the attacks of disease and the varied strains likely to undermine health. Therefore, a wise physical education for the foundation of a well-shaped body plays an important part in the evolution of a healthy race, states the latest circular issued by the Health Department. For children, physical education is designed primarily to maintain healthy growth and vitality. If suitably applied, it is able to correct various defects and early deformities before serious damage is done. It prevents faulty development and subsequent debility. However brilliant the the intellect (states a report of the British Medical Association on this question) a neglected body hinders the attainment of the highest capacity possible to an individual; and conversely the maintenance of the best possible functioning of the body must react as a beneficial mental stimulus. Need of High Standard. The necessity of raising the national standard of physical efficiency requires no demonstration. * While it is true that certain sections of the more youthful population show a commendable enthusiasm tor health-giving physical activities, the general neglect of bodily fitness is evidenced in the examples of physical deterioration which are so common in daily life as often to be accepted as inevitable. One problem of physical education is to bring home to the individual the knowledge that the body, like the mind, can be directed by the will, and to inculcate pride in the proper control of both. Children’s Exercise. Now, how can physical fitness be maintained? In the young, active forms of exercise tend to strengthen all the muscles, develop the brain and increase the respiration, induce the skin to perspire and to secure and obtain equilibrium of body and mind. Hence the importance of the boy and girl actually playing games and not merely watching them, and ot his or her learning to swim, taking part in school sports, organised games and active forms of recreation. To meet this necessity there should be available adquate facilities in the way of playing areas, swimming baths, etc. No artificial breathing exercises will improve on Nature's mechanism. All young animals exercise—foals, kittens,

puppies, etc. —but too many children never acquire the habit of active exercise. Correct use of our natural powers is essential. Systematic organised physical exercise is a valuable safeguard against danger from strain arising in the course of more violent forms of exercise, such as running or swimming. They are of particular value to the less robust children, who may need to be guarded against undue strain, especially in competition with their fellows. When a mother is concerned about the physical condition o: her child medical advice should be sought. Exercise for Adults. Those adults with sedentary and indoor occupations should make an effort to spend at least a portion of each day in the open air. One of the best forms of exercise, particularly for city people and one of the most readily available is walking. A good vigorous walk to school, office, shop or factory every morning is of enormous value to health for the person who has the common sense to take it. Provided that the exercise adopted is suitable to a person's age and powers, his resistance to fatigue is increased. It has been well said that walking is the surest method of securing daily exercise. Daily physical exercises suitable for age and sex for those who cannot arrange for a daily walk to and from business would prove beneficial. Balanced Exercise. The value of exercise consists not in developing large muscles, or in accomplishing heavy athletic feats. Except for the fact that such athletic showmanship serves to stimulate much milder forms of similar exercises in a host of imitators, they are of little benefit. It should be remembered that the lungs are really very delicate and complex structures, and

tne tact cannot be over-emphasised that they can be injured by over-ex-pansion as readily as by compression of the chest. Over-development of the chest is always bought at a price. Physical exercise must be used with wisdom and moderation. On this point the British Medical Association report says: ’lt is possible to develop great strength without necessarily attaining perfect balance. Indeed, a man, although of great muscular strength, may yet be so little balanced as to be muscle-bound, so that the very size of his muscles may interfere iwith their co-ordinate action. Sucn was often the result of the old gymj nasties, wnich too often produced I strength rather than balance, and a broad strong figure at the expense of agility." Physical culture should be based on the normal development of the human body. Such training is not for the production merely of big muscular persons, but for the production of men and women of sound health and well-poised bodies. It should be under the direction of an instructor with sound knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body working in co-operation with a medical adviser. rtemember that physical lazmess rr.i inactivity weaken the growing body and undermine health and vitality. Wise physical education is essential j for the satisfactory development ot | mind and body.